Adele Pope Law Office
1507 Richland Street

Constructed around the turn of the twentieth century, this Neoclassical style cottage represents an architectural movement that was a response to the previous asymmetry and excessive ornamentation of the preceding Queen Anne style. Though relatively modest in size and embellishment, this wood-frame structure nonetheless enjoys architectural distinction among its larger, fancier neighbors. Set atop a brick pier foundation, the one-story building features a symmetrical façade incorporating three doorways that open onto a wide front porch complete with a Chinese-Chippendale lattice work balustrade. Flanking a central door that incorporates sidelights and a transom, are two identical double doors, each leading into front rooms divided by a wide central hallway. A single-gable, red standing-seam metal roof slopes towards the front of the house, engaging the porch in its descent and offering shade. A bay window on the building's west elevation allows sunlight to flood into the small building.

The cottage appears to have remained a single-family residence for much of the twentieth century. Residents throughout the years included a proofreader for The State, a few widows, and a barber. By 1980, interior designer Andrew Kerns turned the home into a show house, making many changes to the building, including the addition of interior shutters, wallpaper, and faux plaster ceiling medallions. However, Kerns did retain much of the building's original materials including the floors, doors, mantels, and most of its walls. Attorney Adele Pope recently bought the property, having rented it since 1993.

Staci Richey and John Sherrer

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